There's more to interpreting and translation than you think.

This is a guest post from Sarah, a blogger for Pimsleur Approach who provides language learning programs such as Pimsleur French and Pimsleur German.

Interpreting is easy, right? All you have to do is translate the words from one language into another. If you were born into a bilingual home, this should be a breeze!

Wrong. Both interpreting and translating require not only fluency in two languages but a deep grasp of concepts, tones, and intention as well. A good interpreter is an artist, retaining the feel of a message as it moves from one language to another. Employers will pay well for virtuoso performances.

Interpreting and translating are a little different. Interpreters work mainly with spoken words while translators work with written texts. They rely on very different skill sets and lead down diverging career paths. Simultaneous interpreters must be good at listening, thinking fast, and anticipating the end of a speaker’s sentence while consecutive interpreters translate after a block of text has been completed, often taking notes as they go. The former might sit in a booth at the UN, speaking to diplomats directly, while the latter might work on the set of Law and Order. Or, you know, as a legal interpreter for a client who doesn’t speak English.

Translators often work from home and must have a firm grasp of the written word in both languages. Translating work is subtler, requiring the translator to capture an author’s voice and flow while also keeping abreast of any cultural references that will need explaining. Think, for a moment, how many different synonyms there are for the word “hungry.” An interpreter must draw on the first that comes to mind, while a translator can take more time to carefully choose the most fitting word.

Both careers generally require a bachelor’s degree to rise to the top of the profession, and those who specialize will have the best opportunities for career growth. This might mean going for a dual degree in another subject like, for instance, law, in order to become a judiciary interpreter. Medical interpreters likewise do best when also trained in that field, and can fill a variety of roles from bedside interpreter to translator of brochures, and pharmaceutical labels.

Perhaps the most coveted and competitive kind of interpreting work takes place at conferences put on by anyone from the United Nations to a corporation.  Conference interpreters can work both behind the scenes to prepare materials for the event and the day of. For interpreters looking to travel, being a guide accompanying US visitors abroad can also be exciting work. Localization translators are currently high in demand, as many global companies need help translating the documents for their products into English. Here again knowledge of the local culture is key to avoiding internet memes like Engrish.com.

Earnings are generally middle class, though top earners can bring in nearly $80,000 per year. Hours are flexible for freelancers, and the demand for both interpreters and translators is sure to grow as the world becomes ever more connected. If you’re currently learning your second language, you can better your career prospects by paying close attention to the interpretation needs in the country of your choice. For instance, the United States will see increases in the need for Spanish language interpreters as the population continues to grow. Gaelic, not so much.

A career in this industry can be both stimulating and rewarding. And, hey, if Ikea ever decides to put words in their instruction manuals, you’ll be golden!